Conference Puppy? You are not alone.

If you are reading this Blog then you have either registered or are considering registering for this year's APDT Conference.  Perhaps you are really excited about the speakers and the topics that they will be covering, but you have never been are nervous about jumping with both feet into this large group of dog training fanatics.  Can I keep up with the material?  Which seminars will be most valuable to me?  Will I find somebody with whom to eat meals and explore Louisville?

These questions are all going through my mind on the eve of my first APDT Conference.  I do not personally know any of the other trainers attending this year and therefore can only count on a similar passion for dog training and behavior to lay the foundation for new friendships with other attendees.

Remember that everyone is attending for the same reasons: to learn (not only from speakers from connecting with other attendees), to make friends and to re-energize our careers.

Marni Edlehart

APDT Conference Committee

Great News!

The Galt House has extended the APDT Conference hotel room rates until Wednesday, September 24th.

If you haven't made your hotel reservations yet you can still take advantage of these great rates by calling the Galt House at 1 800 843-4258 and ask for the APDT Conference rates.

DVD Networking

Let the networking begin!

You arrive at the Galt House on Tuesday,  After you check into the hotel, head over to the Conference registration on the 2nd floor and pick up your tote bag and workbook.  Now is the time to reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones.

We'll have a cash bar and a video player set up.  You bring a DVD of your dog doing something funny or bad.  Or show off a great agility run, freestyle routine, puppies playing or a great game from your classes.  We are here to learn about dogs and to network with other trainers.  What better way to start off your conference experience than to meet up with fellow trainers, enjoy some videos of dogs and share a few laughs.

DVD Networking will be held Tuesday, October 14 from 5:00-7:00 PM

Hotel Conference Rates End Tomorrow

You still have a chance to save on your Conference hotel room.  The Galt House and Suites will honor the  special APDT Conference rates through midnight, tomorrow, September 17.  Rates will rise after that, so don't miss out on this savings.  

Contact the Galt House today to reserve your room.

New Speaker: Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC

Sarah Whitehead is unable to speak at this year's Conference. We are pleased to announce that  APDT member and author of Living With Kids and Dogs, Colleen Pelar CPDT, CDBC will lecture in her place.

Colleen will offer Dog Trainers in School and the Library on Saturday, October 18, 3:30-5:00 PM.  If you've been hesitant to do outreach programs Colleen will show you how you as a dog trainer can develop a bigger presence in the community.  She will also share her lesson plans.

On Sunday, October 19, 9:00-10:30 AM, Colleen will share Six Things Parents Need to Know ... That Only Dog Trainers Can Teach Them.  She will show you how you can help parents develop safe and healthy interactions between their kids and dogs.

Exibitor: Cloud Star

Cloud Star believes that training treats do not need to be pumped full of artificial colors, flavors and all those other ingredients that you can't pronounce!  Come visit our booth to learn more and take advantage of some great deals.  It is possible to have a treat for dogs that eliminates common allergens in the formulations and is all natural.  All this and dogs love our treats.  We have something for even the most finicky pooch.

How are Cloud Star products different than others?  It's the ingredients.  We don't sacrifice affordability by using top quality ingredients.  We strive to provide a great retail value for the consumer.

Cloud Star is committed to giving!  As par of Cloud Star's commitment to giving back we have pledged to donate at least 10% of our net profits to non-profit organizations that benefit animals, women, children and the environment.  We feel that good business should include doing good things for others.  To learn more and fid out how you can help, visit with in the Exhibit Hall.  See you there!

Make Your Hotel Reservations by September 17

Make your hotel reservations by September 17 to get the APDT Conference rates.

Galt House Hotel and Suites

140 North Foruth Street

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 589-5200

The APDT Conference meetings, except the field study and the three workshops, are all at the Galt House Hotel and Suites.

To reserve your room, call the hotel directly at (800) 843-4258.  To ensure an APDT special rate you must do two things: mention the APDT when you make the reservation and make your reservation before September 17, 2008.  All rooms and rates are  subject to availability.

Author Signing

As we have in years past, Dogwise is hosting the Author Signing event at the Conference on Saturday from noon - 1:30 PM in the Exhibit Hall.  It's always a thrill for us to meet the authors and we think you'll get a kick out of it too!  While we can't tell you exactly who will be there to sign, most of the author/speakers make a big effort to be at the signing table.  You can expect to see people like Ian Dunbar, Sophia Yin and Suzanne Clothier to name a few.

If you've never been to an Author Signing here's how it works:  you can bring a book you already own and get it signed; you can purchase a book at the Conference and get it signed for yourself or a friend; or you can get a "bookplate" which Dogwise provides at no charge, get it signed and put it in a book you have at home.

Exhibitor: PetSafe

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe is the industry leader and prime innovator in the development of safe, reliable and technologically advanced pet management solutions.  Products include an new GPS tracking system, containment systems, bark control systems, pet doors and a growing line of lifestyle products.

The latest additions to our family of spray products include a new Little Dog Spray Bark (smallest on the market) and a new Motion Spray Deterrent that will keep pets away from off-limit areas.  Don't miss the premier of these two new products at the APDT show!

From the APDT Founder

Dr. Ian Dunbar

The Louisville Conference is fast approaching - time to make new friends, to reconnect with long-time friends, and to top up the brain with doggy knowledge.  The Keynote Address will be given by a good friend of mine, equine veterinarian and cartoonist, Dr. Robert Miller.  Dr. Miller pioneered work on early (24-48 hour-old) socialization of foals - puppy training for horses - and he co-founded the Sierra Veterinary Medical Association for veterinarians (me included) who like to learn veterinary science while skiing.  

Dr. Miller is followed by a veritable pack of stellar speakers - simply the best of the best and far too good to miss.  And also, we get to play for a day!  Make sure you don't miss the APDT Play Symposium: "Play in Our Dogs' Lives".  See you all there.

Ian Dunbar